Need help chosing a torch.

YeloSno · 10-13-2012, 12:44 AM

So I want to add a relatively compact butane torch to my toolkit for certain mods and repairs.

What are some that you guys suggest on the grounds of:

Build quality

Capacity

Heat power (Call it what you may.)

Ease of Use (But keep in mind the safety factor.)

MPH2 · 10-13-2012, 01:13 PM

I have a power probe brand torch and it works great heat is adjustable and it holds quiet abit of butane and has different tips. I have soldered circuit boards to soldering eye glasses to soldering radio wiring

Here is one I bought mine off the snap on truck

http://www.toolking.com/power-probe-...soldering-kit/

YeloSno · 10-13-2012, 02:12 PM

Woah, interdasting.

I know it's bothersome, but perhaps you can get me a closer pic of the actual piece from the torch side?

I LOVE that this is also a soldering gun, which of course can (if it works well) save me some chunky bucks.

The ones on the site and amazon are small pics, so I can't really make out some of the features and the "visual quality" of the power probe piece itself.

MPH2 · 10-13-2012, 11:04 PM

Oh it's no problem I can get some pictures of mine posted up tomorrow for you

YeloSno · 10-14-2012, 12:41 AM

SA-WEET!

Thank you so much.

mexi ca40k · 10-14-2012, 01:26 AM

Anyone with a interchangeable tips are good.

YeloSno · 10-14-2012, 01:49 AM

Gonna have to say false on that. There are so many with interchangeable tips that suck, some of which I've used.

Tempted (Banned) · 10-16-2012, 12:35 AM

Any torch can be used for soldering, but most are best off used for brazing rather than actual small soldering. I use a $35 one from Harbor Freight, been great to me.

YeloSno · 10-16-2012, 12:39 AM

Well I want it multipurpose. Not just for soldering.

Tempted (Banned) · 10-16-2012, 01:47 AM

Ever used propane? I like it and its cheaper to refill.

YeloSno · 10-16-2012, 09:12 PM

But the point that it heats is much smaller. I guess that's not really a problem when it says it goes to 2500 degrees, but I want it so I can put more than just some metal gloop together.

Also just to **** around with a little bit, but it's like a 97% work thing, 3% "ohwait... what if...?" thing.

maloneoni · 10-16-2012, 11:19 PM

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UH4x6Wcy21k

That's what I use. I gloop lots of copper together with that. And heat is never an issue.

YeloSno · 10-16-2012, 11:21 PM

Hmmm. Interdasting.

woah, 3600 degrees.

I want to try cooking bacon with that.

And it's cheaper. Putting that on my list.

maloneoni · 10-17-2012, 03:02 AM

Looks like I started writing this up a few days ago on this computer and never submitted it. I might as well finish it.

I don't know what you are planning to use it for, but I use a bernzomatic torch at work for sweating (soldering) copper pipes. The fuel is mapp gas.

Build quality: It is build like a tank. It gets carried loose in the plumbing bag, so it take abuse there. Then it goes under houses and gets thrown in the dirt, dropped, kicked, etc. I don't think there is much that you will do to it that will wear it out. We have been through a few, but they take punishment first.

Capacity: Whatever your tank size is. This is also going to be a limiting factor for you. I like a larger tank for work, but with whatever you are going to do with it, I am sure you will want a smaller tank. I bet you will want to take it to a field or where ever.

Heating power: Mapp gas burns hot, so there you go. It might be a bit to hot for you though. I know the bernzomatic will accept propane also. You might also be able to find a smaller tank in propane. It might work with butane.

Ease of use: A monkey could use it. The trigger/ignition acts as a safety; you have to switch it on to click it. It also has a gas on/off. You will have trouble with detail on this though because it is designed to get a copper pipe hot so that you can melt solder on it.

YeloSno · 10-17-2012, 01:53 PM

Yeah, that may be a tad hot .

Applications will range from car and audio work to soldering, which if it involves heating a nail before I can solder with it, so be it.

I kind of prefer butane over propane, but really, I guess, whatever's accessible and does the job well will do it.

cs900 · 10-21-2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maloneoni

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UH4x6Wcy21k

That's what I use. I gloop lots of copper together with that. And heat is never an issue.

I have one of those as well, and it works super. It's perfect for when I'm too lazy to get the oxy torch out.

YeloSno · 10-23-2012, 08:52 PM

Quick Q: Can you shoot at IR temperature sensor at am open flame and gather an accurate reading with it or does it have to hit a solid object?